Ashley Cole Dubs Kyle Walker Premier League's Full-Back King – Burnley Boss Sees Relegation Lifeline
Ashley Cole has hailed Kyle Walker as the Premier League's greatest full-back after a knockout interview with Goal, beating out stars like Andy Robertson and Gary Neville. Walker has retired from England duty after 96 caps, which Burnley boss Scott Parker sees as a boost for their survival fight. With his contract running to 2027, speculation swirls but Parker expects loyalty even if relegation bites.
Ever wondered who the ultimate full-back of the Premier League era is? Step forward Chelsea legend Ashley Cole, who's just dropped a bombshell by crowning Burnley's Kyle Walker as numero uno. Yeah, you read that right – the bloke with three Premier League titles and a World Cup runners-up medal thinks Walker's the daddy.
Cole spilled the beans during a knockout-style chat at the London Football Awards, backed by the Willow Foundation. Goal caught the whole thing on video, and it's pure gold. They threw names at him like a rapid-fire quiz: advance or bin 'em?
Cole's Brutal Full-Back Bracket
First up, Cole versus Liverpool's Andy Robertson. Shock horror, Cole picks Robbo over himself. 'Fair play,' you might say, but the man knows his onions. Then Walker strolls in against Man United old boy Gary Neville – no contest, Walker's through.
The bracket heats up with Patrice Evra, John Arne Riise, and Branislav Ivanovic all getting a look-in. But Walker? He munchkins his way to the top like it's a Sunday league knockabout. Cole's verdict? Walker's pace, defending, and attacking nous make him the complete package. Even Robertson, who edged Cole, couldn't top the Burnley rocket man.
It's like Cole's saying, 'I've seen 'em all, lads, and this one's a freak.' Humble pie all round, and fans are lapping it up. Walker's been terrorising wingers since his Tottenham days, and at Burnley, he's still going like the Duracell bunny.
Walker's Three Lions Swan Song
Timing's everything in footy, innit? Walker just announced he's hanging up his England boots after 96 caps. That's tournaments galore, finals reached, and enough miles to circle the M25 a few times. The football world's toasting his legacy – pace like a greyhound, crosses like lasers, and leadership that screams captain material.
But spare a thought for Burnley gaffer Scott Parker. His star man's stepping back from international duty right when the Clarets are scrapping for Premier League survival. Parker's gutted for England, calling Walker's contributions 'remarkable'. As he told the Burnley Express, 'The caps, the quality, the big games – he's been massive for the nation.'
Yet Parker's glass-half-full vibe shines through. No more international breaks means Walker's fresh as a daisy for Turf Moor tussles. 'He's made his call with our blessing,' Parker adds. 'Hopefully, it gives us an edge during those windows.' Clever that – turning a national loss into a Clarets gain.
Contract Drama and Survival Hopes
Walker's tied to Burnley until summer 2027, so plenty of gas left in the tank. Relegation whispers are rife if they go down, but Parker reckons the ex-Spurs ace will stick around. 'I'd have thought so,' he muses, eyeing Walker's loyalty.
Imagine it: Walker, fresh without England drain, bossing the backline while Parker masterminds a great escape. It's a blessing in disguise, or as us pub pundits call it, 'proper tactical jujitsu'. Cole's endorsement adds swagger – if the king of left-backs rates you top dog, who wouldn't?
Burnley fans, crack open the tins. Your full-back's got the seal of approval from royalty, and Parker's plotting like a chess grandmaster. Walker's not done yet; he's just reallocating his superpowers. Premier League, take note – the Walker's still walking tall.
Word on the street? This could be the spark Burnley needs. Cole's bracket might've been a laugh, but it's spotlighted a gem who's about to go full beast mode for the Clarets. Cheers to that.